The Rise of the Fall Bride
I choose only to book twenty-five weddings a year, and my late September and October dates usually book faster than any others. Brides choosing this season have mentioned that the added advantages of less traffic and lower hotel rates have helped them make the final decision. The fall colors and less expensive decorating materials (leaves, apples, and mini pumpkins) are also mentioned during our consultations. Many venues are tastefully decorated with fall colors and themes.
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As this year’s fall testifies, the weather usually includes bright blue skies and warm temperatures. Many residents strongly believe fall at the Shore is the best. Last year J and B’s wedding included meeting on the bridge in Spring Lake with trees giving us bright yellow, orange, and russet leaves reflecting in the lake. They even visited the beach in Sea Girt, and the blue sky and ocean couldn’t have been more perfect. Even on that beautiful day the beach was not crowded. After I used a bit of Photoshop editing in post-production, there were no distracting sunbathers in the background. The outdoor wedding on the deck of Brielle’s River House also offered those amazing blues with the grass on the island across the channel reflecting bright greens and golds.
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Who could imagine what we would all be facing with Sandy arriving only nine days later? Occasionally it is in autumn that NJ does get its worst storms, either three-day Nor’easters or even hurricanes. There are always risks. Early in the planning the couple should consider and weigh how much anxiety watching the Weather Channel hourly will create. In any season having a Plan B for outdoor ceremonies and photo sessions is wise. The River House, Clarks Landing, and Eagle Ridge all offer great outdoor ceremony setups and equally lovely bad-weather alternatives.
I always offer my brides a Plan B that includes an after-session. The couple can dress up again before storing the dress, and we take our time to have fun and enjoy a beautiful fall day. That is what Erin and I had planned if this weekend’s weather had not been good. But as you can see, a local park offered us all we needed to embrace the best the Shore offers to an autumn bridal couple.
Next blog- Three Super Storm Sandy Brides!!
